Children & Families Ministry Leader

Purpose of the Role

To lead, develop, and coordinate the children's and families' ministry of St Marylebone Parish Church, nurturing children, and their families in Christian faith, enabling participation in worship and church life, and building strong connections between the church, local schools, and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

Children's and Families Ministry

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic development for children's and families' ministry.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver engaging and age-appropriate Young Church sessions.
• Ensure that children and families are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to participate fully in church life.
• Develop opportunities for discipleship, faith formation, prayer, worship, and fellowship for children and families.
• Prepare children and young people for baptism and confirmation as required.
• Support smooth transitions between children's ministry, youth ministry, and wider church participation.

Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, train, support, and supervise volunteers involved in children's ministry.
• Build and maintain a healthy volunteer culture that reflects the values and mission of the parish.
• Coordinate volunteer rotas and ensure appropriate staffing of activities.
• Provide regular communication, encouragement, training, and support to volunteers.

Worship and Church Life

• Work with clergy and the wider ministry team to integrate children and families into the worshipping life of the church.
• Recruit, train, and support altar servers and acolytes.
• Encourage participation in services, church events, festivals, and special celebrations.
• Support the Assistant Director of Music and Organ Scholar in promoting and developing Junior Choir participation.

Schools and Community Engagement

• Maintain strong working relationships with The St Marylebone CE School and The St Marylebone CE Bridge School.
• Work closely with the Chaplain to the schools to support opportunities for faith development and engagement.
• Represent the church positively within the local community and school networks.
• Assist with the annual school admissions process as required.

Safeguarding and Administration

• Ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Support the administration of volunteer DBS checks alongside other members of the parish team.
• Maintain accurate records, attendance information, and relevant ministry documentation.
• Contribute to parish communications relating to children and families' activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, training, and parish events as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• A committed and practising Christian able to articulate and model their faith.
• Experience of leading or coordinating children's, families', youth, or church-based ministry.
• Ability to engage effectively with children, parents, volunteers, and church members.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Experience of recruiting, managing, and supporting volunteers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable

• Relevant theological, educational, children's work, or youth work qualification.
• Experience of working within the Church of England or a similar church context.
• Experience of working with schools.
• Experience of planning and managing events and activities.

Terms and Conditions

• Part-time role with the potential for flexible working arrangements.
• Regular Sunday attendance is required.
• Occasional evening and weekend working may be necessary. Approved additional hours worked outside normal working hours will be compensated through Time Off in Lieu (TOIL).
• Subject to a three-month probationary period.
• Appointment subject to two references and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and all relevant safeguarding requirements.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
• It is an Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 that the post-holder is a practising Christian.

Application Process

• Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter explaining how your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.
• Closing date for Applications is Friday 18 September, 12:00pm noon.
• Interviews will be held at St Marylebone Parish Church on Thursday 24 September 2026.
• The start date is ASAP.

Applications should be forwarded to: Pauline Harris, Head of Finance & Operations

hfo@stmarylebone.org